Hontiveros on Palace's claim that POGO taxes collection ongoing: 'How much, sis?'

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday asked the executive department how much it has collected from the unpaid taxes of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) after the Palace recently claimed that efforts are ongoing.

"Diyan sa sinabi ng gobyerno na nagbabayad naman na ang POGO, gusto ko silang i-text, 'How much, sis?'" Hontiveros said in an online webinar.

She claimed that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) itself admitted last month that none of the registered POGOs has come forward yet to settle unpaid obligations.

"How much na ba talaga ang ibinayad ng POGO sa P50 billion na utang nila? Bawal i-pm ha. Tapatan na. Talaga bang nagbabayad na sila at magkano na ang nabayad?" the senator asked.

Hontiveros recently urged the government to go after the unpaid taxes of POGOs first before taxing online sellers.

This was after the BIR released a memorandum notifying "all persons doing business and earning income in any manner or form, specifically those who are into digital transactions through the use of any electronic platforms and media, and other digital means," to register to ensure that they are tax compliant.

In response to Hontiveros, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque previously said the government has already been collecting unpaid taxes from POGOs.

“Sinisingil po natin, Senator Hontiveros. Hindi po natin sila pinalulusot. Hindi po sila pupuwedeng magbukas hangga’t hindi sila nagbabayad ng kanilang mga buwis,” he said.

Though Roque clarified that online sellers earning a net income of less than P250,000 a year would be exempted from taxes, Hontiveros urged the BIR to withdraw the said memorandum circular.

"Naging magulo para sa mga online sellers ang memo mula sa BIR. Mabuti pang bawiin, i-review, at i-rewrite muna ng ahensiya ang guidelines na nilabas nila," she said.

“As of today, RMC 60-2020 is still enforceable. Strictly speaking, its text still mandates all, including small online sellers, to register with the BIR. Magandang magdeklara muna ang BIR ng moratorium sa pagpapa-register ng online sellers at bawiin muna ang mga guidelines sa ilalim ng RMC 60-2020, habang nasa panahon tayo ng krisis," she added.

The tax exemption of small online entrepreneurs should be made clear in the said circular, according to the senator.

Hontiveros pointed out that if the current circular will be enforced, online sellers will have to shell out at least P2,260 pesos each just to register.

“DTI certification, BIR’s own registration fee, and payment for printing of receipts will cost roughly P2,260 in total,” she said.

"May dagdag-gastos din na at least P1,500 kung magpapa-imprenta ulit ng resibo. May pwedeng dagdag-gastos din sa pag-file ng financial report quarterly. Mahirap 'yan para sa isang small-time online seller na dapat ay may proper documentation na ang kita niya ay less than P250,000 annually," she added.—AOL, GMA News